User reviews

A failed 30-something comedian commiserates with a regretful 60-something dermatologist. Hi-jinks and Friendship ensue: the comedic drama, old-fashioned style- tried and true themes of failure, regret, the search for redemption, finding it where you least expect it, etc. Pedestrian and cliche? Slight and minor? If you say so, but what if the movie's good? "Standing Up, Falling Down" knows what it is and stays within it's wheelhouse- you're drawn in without really expecting it because it feels human in that uniquely cinematic way. It's also buoyed by great chemistry between its leads. Ben Schwartz, mostly known for his more over-the-top comedic performances, plays it closer to the vest here, almost the straight man to Billy Crystal, who, while not really being a dramatic actor, pulls off his role with aplomb. It's nice to see a movie like this sneak in behind enemy lines- one that wears its heart on its sleeve without being maudlin or cynically pandering to some kind of denominator. It's a movie that's quietly profound- sure, kind of in a bumper sticker way, but you don't go to the movies to watch filmed philosophical treatises. I ended the film with a smile in my heart- that's gotta be worth something...

Billy Crystal's nuanced performance meets very good writing in a tale about uncommon friendships and uncommon redemption. Not a perfect film, but great performances and quick pacing enable the writing and plot to tell an efficient, funny, touching story well.

This is not a fast-paced movie. Don't watch it after a Marvel movie.

What it is: It has heart, it feels real. The people are likeable. I am becoming a cynic, over the years, many movies fail to engage me like they should (looking at you, Dunkirk). But this one did not.

And yes, I checked my phone once or twice. Who cares.

Scott Rollins (Ben Schwartz) has returned to his Long Island family home after four years of failed standup attempts in L.A. He joins his younger sister Megan (Grace Gummer) as too old to still live with mom and dad. He finds dermatologist Marty (Billy Crystal) peeing in the sink and befriends the troubled elder. He reconnects with married ex Becky (Eloise Mumford).

Scott is a bit sad and not too funny. The same goes for this movie. It's a very familiar story. There isn't much plot. The best relationship is probably Schwartz and Gummer. Quite frankly, it may be interesting to try them in a traditional rom-com. They have a good banter together. As for Schwartz and Crystal, I expected more comedic power. Both are essentially playing sad characters and that drains some of the energy out of their partnership. It seems that everything is toned down a bit including Scott's standup comedy and that keeps the movie at a low simmer.

Disproving the old adage that you can't go home, Standing Up, Falling Down shows that laughs and sentiment can be a salve for the sadness of not making it in the big city. If you're a standup comedian like Scott (Ben Schwartz) and you can make them laugh at home, then you should come home: "Ford Fiesta - Why do they even CALL it that? I feel like it's never really a 'fiesta' inside. Right? It's just a car!" (Scott in standup mode)

Also, if you meet an aging dermatologist like Marty (Billy Crystal-never better), and the two of you can do friendly screwball comedy dialogue in regular conversation, then you made a great choice to come home. It's my long way around for saying this is a terrifically-satisfying comedy-drama in large part because these two are so well matched, like Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin in The Kominsky Method.

Scott is running from big-city failure back home to face more failure as he regrets his breakup with Becky (Eloise Mumford) when he last left home (She has recently married an attorney). Yet he succeeds in making a lasting friendship with Marty and gaining a love prospect or two along the way.

Scott faces the indifference of his disappointed dad while Marty faces off an estranged son-both funny guys have issues familiar to most of their audiences. Dad's disappointment that Scott won't even work for his lumber yard, and Marty's estrangement from his son and, more importantly, grandson are the twin impediments to their lives being better every day (Marty: "Regret is the only thing that's real. It's why the good lord gave us weed and booze- numbing agents.").

The fact that both friends can mine the circumstances for laughs helps themselves and the film. I'm not sure currently you can have better bantering buddies in a film that explores real-life challenges.

"Standing Up Falling, Down" is slightly clichéd but the unlikely alliance between Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz really makes solid on-screen chemistry. . In this comedy-drama, an unlikely friendship is formed when a struggling stand-up comedian and an alcoholic dermatologist help each other find healing in their lives. . Even though it's a buddy comedy-drama that we've all seen before, "Standing Up, Falling Down" is an often sweet, funny and relatable film that features good performances from its lead ensemble. Crystal and Schwartz work well riffing off each other and you can tell these two had a good time working together. It's decent enough to get through and one of the better VOD films you'll come across. . Follow @snobmedia for more reviews!

Drama and comedy, not the ideal mix if you ask me, as most of the time there is more drama than comedy and that's also the case in Standing Up, Falling Down. That said I thought this movie wasn't that bad, I didn't laugh much, but the story is strange enough enjoyable to watch. It's just about different people trying to get their life back on the right track. It's rather sad than funny. The acting of Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz was good and that made it worth watching. I mostly knew Schwartz as Jean-Ralphio from the American comedy TV series Parks and Recreation where he played a rather annoying character but in this movie he proves he can play something different. As a drama this movie works, not so much as a comedy, but that's only my opinion. Goodenough for a one time viewing.

I'm not one who usually goes for the comedy/drama type movies, but I am so glad I sat down and watched this. There cannot be a human being alive that is unable to relate to something in this movie, in a personal way.

The acting was spot on, not too much or too little of anything. All the actors, fit just right. There's no hurrying the storyline, it just flows. I found myself relating and reflecting to so much of the story and it was a good feeling.

In short, you need to see this. Don't be in a hurry to do anything while you watch it. Take the 90 minutes and let yourself be whoever it is you relate to in this film. The ending tied everything together in a nice comfortable way.

Buy it, rent it, download it, whatever. Just watch it.

A light-hearted movie about a stand-up comedian and an older gentleman who regrets the past. Its comedy, drama, and witfully written script. A must-film to watch!

I saw this film at the Glasgow Film Festival. It starts off very well for the first 30 mins and I was very engaged. Thereafter the film gets bogged down and never moves out of second gear. A shame as a good and interesting film was struggling to get out.

Sad. Funny. Real.

Beautiful film directing. Amazing writing. Perfect acting Billy C at his best.

Watch this film. Highly recommended.

Reflects life's many shades Regret lingers Love fades.

This film is amateur director Matt Ratner's 2nd entry on his resume, and he delivered like a seasoned director. Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz also delivered, but nobody could save this slow paced boring story without any real beginning or ending written by novice writer Peter Hoare. The comedy was about as stale as Schwartz's character. Ignore the fake/paid 10, 9 and 8 reviews... at best this is a 7/10 but get only a 6/10 from me as I expected much more.

I didn't hate the movie, however it just plods along and most of the characters aren't really interesting or sympathetic enough to really care about them. Billy Crystal tries his best, however the humour in scenes without him doesn't really work. I know it's meant to be a comedy drama but it fails to find the balance between the two and the main character was rather unlikable it made it hard to care what his outcome was at the end.

By all means it should be a 70 tops, but it has heart, a great chemistry between the characters and good balance between drama and comedy. Ben Schwartz is great here but Billy Crystal really steals the show.

Loved it. Don't let the poor title and lower profile lead actor fool you. It is a well written, heart warming story with an excellent script. The lead actor, while not good enough to be a successful stand up comedian, is certainly a very talented actor, one to look out for. Loved seeing Billy Crystal in a multi-dimensional, dramatic character role while still retaining his signature charm.

Schwartz and Crystal did such an amazing job! It was very simple and a bit slow, but otherwise really good! The comedy could use a brush - up, and I didn't really like how if they aren't having heartfelt conversations or at the dermatologists office, they're smoking joints, but I think all - in - all, its a sweet piece of cinematography.

One of the things I was a bit startled by was how Marty (Billy Crystal) died in the end and it was a bit unbelievable.

So glad Billy Crystal is back and better than ever in this dramedy of a decade. I cried a single tear in the car crash scene. Ben could have been better.

Enjoyable but cliched film. Best part is Billy Crystal whose character Marty is superbly played. Of this type of buddy film 'Paddleton' is the king.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Billy Chrystal was subtle, enchanting and carried his role off with aplomb. His eyes still had a sparkle but there was a sadness in them also that cemented his part in the movie perfectly. His talent has not dimmed over the years, I'm glad to say! It was a joy watching him take on a serious role so convincingly. His part was very well-written. Ben Schwartz was not very familiar to me but I will say right off the bat that he was well-cast. He had just the right amount of hang-dog demeanor to carry off his role as the cynical not-quite-defeated unsuccessful comedian. His performance was thoughtful and believable. I recommend this movie!!

The film is a bittersweet drama with comedic touches dealing with the subjects of regret, loss and addiction. Both Crystal and Schwartz are excellent although I felt the plot was oversimpistic and fell foul to the usual Hollywood cliches but thankfully moved at a pace which allowed it to be forgiven.

I felt there was the possibility of a really great film here, as most of the ingredients were present but as always most films now get stuck in a rut of losing their subtlety and simply over repeat to enforce simple concepts about dealing with life.

The film is worth a watch to enjoy the chemistry between Schwartz and Crystal but it felt that there should have been more of this.

I watched it for 40 minutes waiting for something funny to be said or to happen. Couldn't take it anymore. Slow and boring, uninteresting guy with an uninteresting life. Was it supposed to be a comedy???!!! God help us... or help Hollywood.

My husband and I really enjoyed this movie. Such a cute, well-written dramedy. Main actors Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz had great chemistry which led to a very sweet little story.

Stars billy crystal and ben schwartz. Ben is a standup, moving back in with his parents. Billy is a dermatologist, who may or may not actually have medical credentials. They form a friendship, in spite of their age difference. Ninety minutes of banter. They both have a lot going on in their lives. They both seem to be having mid life crises, although one is very young, and one is older. A real mix of serious philosophical issues, some funny comedy. Gets pretty dark near the end, but ends on a positive note. They cover a lot of ground in a short time. Directed by matt ratner. His first full leng film direction. Story by peter hoare.